The Holashtak Lockdown: Why Today Changes Your Spiritual To-Do List

Townhall Times, New Delhi

Reporter: Bhavika Kalra

New Delhi | Tuesday, February 24, 2026

If you woke up today thinking about booking a wedding hall or moving into a new flat, take a breath and check the calendar. Today is Phalguna Shukla Ashtami, and that means Holashtak has officially arrived. For the next eight days, the cosmic energy isn’t exactly “new-business friendly.”

1. The Core Panchang Data: 24-Feb-2026

(Calculated for New Delhi/NCR)

Tithi: Shukla Ashtami (until 3:21 PM). This is the specific tithi that triggers the Holashtak period.
Nakshatra: Rohini (A “fixed” and powerful nakshatra ruled by the Moon). While Rohini is usually great for creative work, its combination with Holashtak today creates a paradoxical energy.
Moon Sign: Taurus (Vrishabha). The Moon is exalted here, which provides some mental stability amidst the “chaos” of Holashtak.
Yog: Indra (until 7:15 AM), followed by Vaidhriti (a generally inauspicious yog).

2. The “Danger Zone”: Today’s Timing Table

Muhurat	Window (IST)	The Verdict
Abhijit Muhurat	12:12 PM – 12:57 PM	The only “Gold Window” for routine, essential tasks.
Rahu Kaal	3:26 PM – 4:52 PM	Total Shutdown. No financial deals, no big arguments, no new starts.
Yamaganda	9:43 AM – 11:09 AM	Usually leads to “effort without result.”
Gulika Kaal	12:35 PM – 2:01 PM	Avoid repetitive tasks here during Holashtak.

3. Holashtak Survival Guide: 24 Feb to 3 March

Between now and Holika Dahan (March 3), tradition dictates a spiritual “pause.”

The Science of “Bad Energy”:

It’s not about superstition; it’s about Ugra Grah (Fierce Planets). According to the Shastras, on each of these eight days, a different planet becomes highly unstable. Today (Day 1), the Moon is believed to be under intense planetary pressure.

The “Do Not Touch” List:

Weddings & Engagements: These are 100% off the table.
Griha Pravesh: Moving into a new house during Holashtak is said to bring “unsettled” energy to the household.
New Ventures: Launching a business or signing a long-term contract is traditionally avoided.
Major Purchases: Don’t buy a car or heavy electronics if you can wait until March 4.

The “Spiritual Hack” List:

Mantra Power: Since the external energy is “bad,” focus internal. Today is peak time for Vishnu Sahasranama or Mahamrityunjaya Mantra.
Donation (Daan): Giving grain or blankets to the needy during this period is believed to “wash away” the harsh planetary effects.
Deep Clean: Use these eight days to detox your home and mind before the colors of Holi.

4. The Legend of Prahlad

Why today? Because this marks the day Hiranyakashipu intensified the torture of his son, Prahlad. These eight days symbolize a period of endurance. If you feel agitated or restless today, blame the Holashtak transition.